84 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTUEAL. SOCIETY. 



First: Sash Bar Houses. — These differ from other houses in 

 the bars being made of greater dimensions and strength, constitut- 

 ing tlie principal framework of the structure. The cheapest, 

 though not the best mode, is this old-fashioned post and sash bar 

 house, furnished with an entirely new set of details. As formerly 

 constructed, it was so frail that it would last in good condition not 

 much more than five years. Some houses of this class have been 

 rebuilt three times in twenty years and are now in a very shaky 

 condition. If they had been constructed in accordance with the 

 new details, and with the materials now in use, they would easily 

 have lasted without rebuilding until the present time. The con- 

 struction is entirely of wood, except the purlin and i-idge supports, 

 which are usually gas pipe posts. A list and description of the 

 different members which go to make a complete section of the 

 house are as follows : ridge in three sections, so that the splices 

 are mismatched, with side grooves for ventilators and glass ; 

 projections for support of lower edge of sash bars ; and a dripped 

 cap. The ventilators are of the usual style, but fastened to- 

 gether with light metal caps, so that although made in sections 

 they are practically the same as a continuous single sash the 

 length of each ventilating shaft. The gutter is formed in three 

 sections like the ridge, so that all joints are mismatched. The 

 joints are butted in lead, with metal slip tongues. The side posts 

 are of locust, cedar, or cypress, and not less than six inches in 

 diameter. For a slight additional cost iron posts can be substi- 

 tuted. The sides are of double boarding with two thicknesses of 

 strong building paper between. The sash bars are of cypress 1^ 

 by 2^ inches, rabbeted for the glass and dripped to carry away 

 leakage and condensation. They are usually placed for 16-inch 

 glass and continue from plate to ridge without framing. Station- 

 ary glass or sash ventilators can be substituted for the boarding 

 above the side tables if desired. At the foot of tlie top ventilator 

 a header is fitted over the bars without cutting them, receiving 

 the glass, and in a simple and eft'ective manner doing away 

 with all fi-aming at that point. Where a small original invest- 

 ment is an important factor, there is no construction superior to 

 this. It is especially adapted for florists and market gardeners 

 commencing business on a small or borrowed capital, where it is 

 important to secure the largest possible income for the least 

 present investment. 



